by Valeria González Montero

After almost 10 years, Jimbo, a K-9 who served the University of Maryland Police Department until two months ago, full days of sleeping and eating are on the horizon. 

He was part of the Explosive Detection Unit at the University of Maryland Police Department for over nine years. Two other K-9s also retired, Bracken and Pink. 

“They kind of reached an age where we wanted them to be able to unwind and live a normal life for a couple more years,” Sgt. Matthew Suthard said. 

One dog that started serving in the unit with the three dogs didn’t make it to retirement.

“The fourth dog, K-9 Chief, would have been retiring with them, but sadly passed away after his battle with cancer in 2019,” Sgt. Rosanne Hoaas said in a press release.

The dogs inaugurated the program in 2012. Jimbo, Bracken and Pink were part of the first class of detection dogs at UMPD.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Suthard said. “It was certainly eye opening, but at the same time, I never really knew what it was like having a civilian dog at home.”

Police dogs live with their respective handlers. Their routine includes going on walks of over two miles each morning and evening. When they retire, most of the time, they go to live with their handlers as a civilian dog. 

Jimbo lives in the Suthard household like before, but doesn’t have to worry about his job anymore.

“Since he’s retired, he sleeps a lot. And he is old, but he still sticks to his routine of wanting his food and his walks,” Suthard said.

He did not have any pets growing up, Jimbo was the first dog in his life. Suthard said he didn’t know what to expect, but now Jimbo is officially part of their family.

“I’m hoping …  he’s able to experience my son growing up a little more and hopefully doesn’t get too annoyed by my new dog being around,” Suthard said.

That new dog — Hera — is also a K-9 working for UMPD. The four-month-old yellow labrador joined the force along with two other K-9s in February. She’s more difficult at home than Jimbo, Suthard said. 

“She doesn’t quite have the mannerisms that Jimbo does.” Still, Suthard enjoys the learning process of this new experience.

“I kinda have to realize this isn’t Jimbo anymore. It’s been a challenge for me, but in a good way. It betters my skills as a handler and understanding of dogs.”

Suthard is left with one active and one retired dog. Jimbo and he spent the majority of his time in service together. Suthard said he has the best job in the department.

“I wouldn’t trade those 10 years for anything in this world. I’m happy that he’s still with me and knock-on-wood, is in very good health for his age.”

Featured photo: A sign honoring UMPD’s K-9s. Photo by Valeria González Montero